What is the difference between licensed childcare and unlicensed or sometimes known as informal 
    childcare?

                                            LICENSED vs UNLICENSED CHILDCARE                              

    How do I know if a licensed childcare centre is meeting the minimum standards required in the Day
    Nurseries Act?

      Every licensed program is inspected annually by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services to ensure these minimum standards are
      being met.  As of June 1, 2009 all licensed childcare programs will be required to post the results of their inspection beside their
      license which should be posted in a visible location within the program.  Be sure to look for the inspection result and ask the
      Supervisor questions if there are areas that have not been met.

     
    What are the requirements of the Day Nurseries Act?

     The Ministry has developed a new interactive website for those interested in learning more about licensed childcare called the Day
       Nurseries Act for Child Care Supervisors of Ontario.

     
     How many children can be cared for in an unlicensed program?

      An unlicensed childcare provider may only provide care for 5 unrelated children under the age of 10.  This means that the caregiver
      can care for 5 children plus her own children.  These regulations are in place for quality and health and safety reasons.

     
     What if a caregiver has more than 5 children in his/her care?

     It is a finable offence under the Day Nurseries Act to provide care for more than five children without a license. 

      Ministry staff investigate complaints from the public about a person who may be taking care of more than five unrelated children under
      the age of 10 without a licence.

      The Ministry can prosecute people who provide child care without a license.  If convicted of the offence of providing child care
      without a license, a person can be fined up to $2,000 per day.  

     It is also an offence to provide private-home day care at more than one location without a license.  Persons providing private home day
     care at more than one location without a licence can be prosecuted by the ministry and if convicted can be fined up to $2,000 per day.
   
   
     What if a two people provide care together in a home, can we then have 10 children?

       No.  As soon as you care for more than 5 children, no matter how many adults, you must apply for a license from the Ministry.

     
      Who do I call if I have concerns?

       If you have concerns about a program or would like to discuss the details of a program's license, contact a program Advisor at your
       local regional office of the Ministry of Children and Youth Services.

       Once you decide which childcare option is right for you, you should
    research each program and ask many questions to ensure the
    program is the right fit for you and your family. 

       What questions should I ask?

        Click here for some sample questions to ask.  These questions should be asked no matter what option you choose licensed or
        unlicensed.   It is recommended that you seek at least three references (especially in the unlicensed programs).  If you  have a child
        with special needs be sure to ask about their program and how they include children with special needs as well as what supports they
        offer.

       What should I look for when I go for a visit?

       Click here for other things you should be looking for on your first visit.

    
      What is Subsidy and how do I know if I would qualify?

        Where do I look for licensed childcare options in Ontario?

         The Ministry of Children and Youth Services has designed a website to improve public access to child care licensing information and
          locations.  Search the Ontario Licensed Child Care Website  by location, age group, name of program etc... to find a centre near
          you.

         Please note that if a child care program is not listed on this site, it is not a licensed child care program. 

        Disclaimer:  Most of the information found on this page can be found and has been reproduced from the Ministry of Children and
                          Youth Service's website.

         I have called every licensed childcare centre in my area but there
     are no spaces.   What can I do?

      Unfortunately you are not alone, many childcare advocates have been lobbying the government for many years to provide an      
           universal, affordable childcare system so that every child has access to high quality early learning and childcare programs.  You can
           help by visiting www.waitingforchildcare.ca  and clicking on the button I can't find child care.  By doing this you will be letting
           your local MPP know that this is a real issue in their community and that more is needed to help expand spaces and to build a
           public childcare system in Ontario.